VIDEO: 19 alleged churchgoers killed in crash
Westonaria mayor: It's a shock. I can't even say more words. It's very terrible.
19 people lost their lives in a taxi-truck collision on the R28 in Westonaria on Sunday.
According to ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring, “19 people died and four others were critically injured. Three of the four who were critically injured were airlifted to hospital, one of which was a child. The other one was transported by ambulance.
“The occupants who were killed and were critically injured in the crash were from the taxi and the driver of the truck was found to have sustained minor injuries, however, he was transported to hospital as well for further observations.
ER24 paramedics and other serviced arrived on scene and found the area in chaos. Patients were lying all other the scene.”
“It is understood that the taxi lost control and the truck collided with it.”
The taxi rolled multiple times and burst into flames and various patients were ejected from the vehicle.
Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson, Obed Sibasa, said it is not clear what caused the accident, “The road is completely blocked off. We are busy investigating.”
The occupants of the taxi were said to be people either going to or were returning from church because of their attire.
The R28 was closed for a few hours after the incident.
Nonkoliso Tundzi, the Westonaria executive mayor said, “It’s a shock. I can’t even say more words. It’s very terrible.”
She added that anyone who would like any information around the incident, they should contact the Westonaria Police as they will give information about where the bodies are being kept until they’re identified.
